Pakistan launches new biometric system to curb fake SIM cards issuance
Technology
Pakistan launches new biometric system to curb fake SIM cards issuance
ISLAMBAD (Web Desk) - The telecom industry in Pakistan has started issuing mobile phones SIMs through an enhanced version of Biometric Verification System (BVS) called Multi Finger Biometric Verification System (MBVS).
The BVS devices available at sale channels have been upgraded to meet the requirements of the new system through NADRA and CMOs. The new system requires impressions of multiple fingers for authentication and applicant antecedents while issuing new or duplicate SIM, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority said in a press release.
The control for choice of fingers for verification purposes has been shifted from the seller representative to the system which asks for two different fingers’ impressions randomly. The implementation of new system will make the illegal use of fake fingerprints impossible.
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) signed a contract in this regard at the PTA office after smooth transition to the new BVS.
The signing ceremony was attended by PTA Chairman retired Maj Gen Amir Azeem Bajwa, Nadra Chairman Muhammad Tariq Malik; Member (Compliance & Enforcement) PTA Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar; Additional Director General FIA and representatives from CMOs.
Chairman PTA, while lauding the untiring efforts of CMOs and Nadra in the upgradation of MBVS, said that the new system will be a catalyst in controlling the sales of SIMs issued illegally.
The Nadra chief stated that MBVS has the immense potential to keep fraudsters and scammers away. He said MBVS is a smart solution which uses an indigenous smart algorithm where choice of finger is proposed by the system rather than prefixed finger positions.
"MBVS will not only eliminate silicon-based fingerprints used for issuance of SIMs but also will hamper attempts to purchase illegal SIMs. The new system will combat fake SIM issuance, ID fraud, protect privacy & strengthen national security”, he added.
The BVS was first implemented in 2014 in order to offer secure online biometric verification for each #SIM related transaction as well as assigning Unique Sale ID and logging of each transaction so that the person responsible for misuse is identifiable.
However, to further enhance the system and counter problems regarding SIMs issued using illegal means, MBVS has been introduced.
This will be helpful towards eliminating the use of SIMs attained through illegal ways in fraudulent financial transactions and other criminal activities.
